Think Paris is all about croissants, romance, and the Eiffel Tower? Sure—but it’s also packed with some of the most jaw-dropping museums on the planet. Whether you’re here for timeless art, groundbreaking design, or ancient relics that predate baguettes, Paris museums are second to none. This city has turned culture into an art form (pun intended), and even if you’re not “a museum person,” you’re about to become one.
From monumental icons like the Louvre to bold contemporary galleries and unexpected hidden gems, this guide breaks down the 11 best museums in Paris. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, you’ll want these spots on your itinerary. No beret required—just curiosity and maybe a comfy pair of shoes.
1. The Louvre
The Louvre isn’t just a museum—it’s a world unto itself. Housed in a former royal palace and crowned by I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid, it’s the most visited museum on Earth. It’s one of the first images that comes to mind when hearing the phrase “Paris attractions,” and widely considered a world-class museum. Home to over 35,000 artworks spread across eight departments, it offers everything from ancient Mesopotamian carvings to French neoclassical masterpieces. And yes, that includes Mona Lisa, who’s smaller than expected but still draws massive crowds.
The scale is daunting, but that’s part of the experience. Whether you’re into Greek statues, Islamic art, Renaissance painting, or decorative arts, there’s something here for everyone. First-timers should consider choosing a wing or two to avoid being overwhelmed—Denon for Italian art, Sully for the medieval Louvre foundations, or Richelieu for the regal apartments.
One of the best ways to experience the Louvre is on a weekday morning or late on Wednesdays and Fridays when it’s open later. Audio guides and themed tours help navigate the enormity. Additionally, the architecture, ranging from medieval walls to 19th-century staircases, is worth the visit.
Tickets are €17 when booked online. Entrance is free for EU residents under 26. It’s closed Tuesdays and best accessed via Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre Metro station or a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries.
2. Musée d’Orsay
Housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station on the Seine’s Left Bank, the Musée d’Orsay is a dream for fans of Impressionism and post-Impressionism. With its grand clock windows and light-filled halls, the space alone is worth visiting. But it’s the paintings—Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, Cézanne, and more—that steal the show.
Sculpture, decorative arts, photography, and period furniture round out the experience, and the fifth-floor café offers one of the best museum views in Paris. Be sure to snap a photo through the giant station clock.
Admission is €16. Free for visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26. Closed Mondays. Nearest Metro: Solférino (Line 12) or RER C to Musée d’Orsay station.
3. Centre Pompidou
Bold and controversial since it opened in 1977, the Centre Pompidou is instantly recognizable by its exposed pipe-and-tube exterior. Inside is one of Europe’s most important collections of modern and contemporary art, from Matisse and Picasso to Kandinsky and Rothko.
Beyond the galleries, you’ll find panoramic views from the rooftop, rotating exhibitions, and one of the best public libraries in the city. The museum’s playful structure is a destination in itself, especially for fans of design and architecture.
Tickets cost €15. It’s closed Tuesdays. Ride Metro Line 11 to Rambuteau or Lines 1, 4, 7, 11, or 14 to Châtelet–Les Halles.
4. Musée de l’Orangerie
Best known as the permanent home of Monet’s massive Water Lilies murals, the Musée de l’Orangerie offers a tranquil, immersive art experience. The skylit oval rooms designed for the murals are peaceful and meditative, perfect for escaping the Paris crowds.
Downstairs, the Jean Walter and Paul Guillaume Collection features works by Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, and Picasso.
Admission is €12.50. Combined tickets with Musée d’Orsay are available. Located in the Tuileries Garden. Metro: Concorde (Lines 1, 8, 12).
5. Musée Rodin
The Musée Rodin offers a breath of fresh air—literally. Set in a grand 18th-century mansion with sculptural gardens, the museum is dedicated to the works of Auguste Rodin. The Thinker, The Kiss, and The Gates of Hell are all here, displayed both indoors and out.
It’s one of the most romantic museum settings in Paris and a must for sculpture lovers.
Tickets cost €13. Garden-only tickets are also available. Closed Mondays. Metro: Varenne (Line 13) or Invalides (Lines 8, 13, RER C).
6. Musée du Quai Branly – Jacques Chirac
Just steps from the Eiffel Tower, the Musée du Quai Branly focuses on non-European arts and civilizations, with striking architecture designed by Jean Nouvel. Its vast collection spans African masks, Oceanic sculptures, and Indigenous American textiles, offering a deeper look at global creativity and cultural traditions.
Its lush vertical garden, dimly lit galleries, and thematic displays make for an immersive visit that’s very different from the classical art-heavy Paris museum scene.
Tickets are €12. Open every day except Monday. Nearest Metro: Alma-Marceau (Line 9) or RER C to Pont de l’Alma.
7. Palais de Tokyo
One of Europe’s largest spaces for contemporary art, the Palais de Tokyo is a constantly evolving hub of experimentation. There’s no permanent collection—just bold, ever-changing exhibitions that push boundaries in art, fashion, and performance.
The museum draws a younger, edgier crowd, and it often stays open until midnight—perfect for night owls.
General admission is around €12. Closed Tuesdays. Metro: Iéna (Line 9) or Alma-Marceau (Line 9).
8. Musée Picasso
Housed in a stunning 17th-century mansion in the Marais, the Musée Picasso holds over 5,000 works by the Spanish master. The collection spans his entire career—paintings, sculptures, sketches, and even his personal archives.
It’s one of the most comprehensive Picasso collections anywhere, and the building itself is worth a visit.
Tickets cost €14. Closed Mondays. Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Chemin Vert (Line 8).
9. Musée Carnavalet
Dedicated to the history of Paris, the Musée Carnavalet offers a deep dive into the city’s evolution—from Gallo-Roman times to the French Revolution and beyond. Expect period rooms, antique shop signs, and detailed models of medieval Paris.
It reopened in 2021 after a major renovation and is now more engaging and accessible than ever.
Free admission. Closed Mondays. Located in the Marais near Metro: Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Chemin Vert (Line 8).
10. Musée des Arts et Métiers
Founded in 1794, the Musée des Arts et Métiers is one of the oldest science museums in the world. It houses over 80,000 objects related to innovation and industry—from early airplanes and steam engines to mechanical calculators and prototypes by French inventor Blaise Pascal.
It’s an underrated favorite for travelers curious about how things work. The chapel-turned-exhibit hall is especially dramatic, featuring Foucault’s Pendulum and vintage aircraft suspended from the ceiling.
Entry is €10. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Nearest Metro: Arts et Métiers (Lines 3 and 11).
11. Fondation Louis Vuitton
Designed by starchitect Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a striking glass-and-steel structure in the Bois de Boulogne. Inside, you’ll find cutting-edge exhibitions of contemporary art, major retrospectives, and installations by international artists.
The building itself is a destination, and its rooftop terraces offer one of the most surprising views in Paris.
General admission is around €16. Free for under 18s. Closed Tuesdays. Take the shuttle from Charles de Gaulle–Étoile or Metro Line 1 to Les Sablons.
Final Thoughts
Paris isn’t short on landmarks, but its museums are where the city’s soul really shines. Whether you’re after blockbuster art, futuristic design, or a deep-dive into history, these are some of the best museums in Paris to explore it all. Make sure to check for free-entry days, EU discounts, and time your visits to avoid crowds when possible.
You probably won’t see them all in one trip—but hey, that’s just one more reason to come back.